Ascot to inspect in the morning Saturday’s high-profile fixture at Ascot is subject to a precautionary inspection at 8am. The Berkshire circuit staged a six-race card on Friday, but only after an impromptu inspection an 11.30am. While the ground was expected to be heavy, there had been no problems anticipated until clerk of the course Chris Stickels announced the check mid-morning, with a delegation of track officials and several jockeys assessing conditions. The meeting was eventually given the green light and took place in its entirety — but Stickels later felt it prudent to call a further inspection ahead of Saturday’s card, which features Paisley Park’s defence of the Grade One Marsh Hurdle, together with the 150,000 pound Betfair Exchange Trophy.
